Kathrine Frich
American politicians are trying to shift the blame onto Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Sometimes political leaders look abroad when domestic problems pile up at home.
A sudden diplomatic victory is a great way to distract voters from rising prices.
But rushing a delicate international agreement rarely works out well. It usually carries a devastating long-term cost.
A business arrangement
Officials inside the administration of US President Donald Trump believe they can strike a rapid deal with Moscow. The proposed price involves handing over the Donbas region.
Kyiv completely rejects the idea. Ukrainian leaders know a pause in fighting would only give Russian forces time to rebuild and plan a fresh assault.
“There is certainly a strong belief within this American administration that a business arrangement with Russia is possible, and that some kind of deal is possible at the expense of Ukrainian territory,” Justyna Gotkowska from the Center for Eastern Studies told WP’s “Bez Doktryny” program.
She added, “Giving up Donbas would mean the possibility of a future Russian offensive and a faster approach to Kyiv. Ukrainians realize that this is unacceptable to them.”
Blaming the victim
The push for a rapid settlement actually stems from massive political pressure inside the United States. Right now, the White House is battling rising fuel prices, an ongoing Gulf War, and a looming midterm election cycle.
As economic frustrations grow, American politicians are trying to shift the blame onto Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“We’re at a time in American domestic politics that isn’t exactly favorable for this administration,” Gotkowska noted.
She explained, “We have the Gulf War, which hasn’t ended, and the worsening energy situation. We’re seeing increasing domestic political criticism of this administration, and we’re looking for someone to blame. As we’ve heard from President Trump, President Zelensky may be to blame.”
Backroom diplomacy
Secret diplomatic efforts are already underway. Recent moves include a trip to Moscow by the director of the CIA, aiming to connect the European conflict with the Middle East.
This urgent American desire to impress voters could easily backfire. Forcing a rapid deal might simply encourage further violence.
“We’re in a difficult situation where this Trump administration wants to lower domestic fuel prices and demonstrate its successes internationally,” Gotkowska concluded. “Will it lead to peace? It won’t, but it could lead to the Russians feeling even more impunity and intensifying their attacks on Ukraine and its eastern flank.”
Sources: WP
